Prop betting is arguably the most exciting way to wager on NBA games, and that should hold true for this year’s Christmas Day slate. With five games on the schedule and some of the league’s biggest stars on display, there’s no shortage of ways to win some extra money.
Here are my best NBA Christmas Day prop bets.
All NBA odds are current as of Monday, Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. ET, and are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best NBA Christmas Player Prop Bets
NBA Best Christmas Prop Bet Today
Suns vs Nuggets: Nuggets Win Q1 by 3+ (+130)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Suns have one of the most prolific first-quarter scorers in the league in Devin Booker, but would it surprise you that Phoenix doesn’t even rank among the top 10 in average first-quarter scoring margin?
It’s actually the Nuggets that have been the much better team in the opening frame this season. Denver ranks second in the league with a +3.3 average first-quarter scoring margin (+3.7) at home, while Phoenix comes in 13th at +0.8 points (+0.4 on the road).
With that in mind, the fact that we can get the Nuggets to win the first quarter by three or more points at plus money is pretty incredible. This is one of my favorite NBA Christmas prop bets.
Bucks vs Celtics: Bucks Over 109.5 Points (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Bucks are known for their stifling defense, but their scoring ability shouldn’t be overlooked. Between Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton, this team has a handful of All-Star talents who can all pour it in at will.
This figures to be a methodical, high-scoring contest. These two teams know each other very well — Boston eliminated Milwaukee in the second round of the 2022 playoffs — so each side should have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t against the other.
Moreover, the Celtics have given up at least 110 points in 20 of their 31 games this season, and the Bucks have reached this total in 17 of their 29. Look for Milwaukee to do it again in what could easily be the most entertaining game of the day.
76ers vs Knicks: 76ers Over 110.5 Points (-115)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Another game, another Over. This time, I’m backing the 76ers to hit 110.5 points, which is admittedly my riskiest play of the day — although it is a calculated one.
Philadelphia is averaging just 111.4 points per game this season, and in their previous meeting with the Knicks on Nov. 4, the Sixers mustered just 104. However, neither Joel Embiid nor James Harden was available for that contest.
New York has looked pretty strong lately, but Embiid and Harden are an incredibly difficult duo to slow down. Embiid leads the NBA in scoring at 33.3 points per game, and Harden is logging an average of 22.4 points and 10.6 assists.
Even if the Knicks end up winning this one, I feel that they’ll pretty easily give up at least 111 points to Philly.
Additionally, consider checking out our Best NBA Prop Bets Today for more ways to bet on the NBA.
